The commission may prepare a general plan of the most practicable and economical method of securing conformity with the standards set forth in the compact, having in view the future growth and development of the district, and to that end shall cooperate and advise with the respective state authorities having jurisdiction over stream pollution and any other bodies having to do with sewage and garbage disposal and the pollution of the waters of the district, with the secretary of the army of the United States, with appropriate committees of congress and any and all other federal authorities having jurisdiction in the premises, with representatives of chambers of commerce and other civic bodies within the district, and with such bodies, commissions and legislative committees as may exist or be created in any of the signatory states, for the purpose of bringing about a comprehensive program for the abatement and elimination of pollution.